The Byrdcliffe Arts & Crafts Colony

Jane Byrd McCall Whitehead and Ralph Radcliffe-Whitehead
Thence by descent
Acquired by the present owner from James R. Bakker Gallery, Boston, MA, 1999

Arcady to Byrdcliffe:  The Whiteheads' Circle of Artists, James R. Bakker Gallery, Boston, MA, November 19-December 10, 1999

Nancy E. Green and Jessie Poesch, Arthur Wesley Dow and American Arts & Crafts, New York, 1999, pp. 185-186 (for a linen press and chiffonier with related painted landscape panels)
Robert Edwards, "Furniture Designed at the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony," The Magazine Antiques, May 2003, p. 108 (for a chiffonier with a related painted landscape panel)
Nancy E. Green, ed., Byrdcliffe:  An American Arts and Crafts Colony, Ithaca, NY, 2004, pp. 74, 85 and 168 (for a linen press and chiffonnier with related painted landscape panels)

Overall in very good condition. This chiffonier has been closely examined by an American Paintings and American Furniture expert, and has also been closely examined under blacklight. The exterior case retains its original green-stain, which when examined under blacklight appears to have been enhanced in many areas throughout. The wood surfaces throughout with some light surface scratches, abrasions and edge wear with associated small losses consistent with age and use. Under blacklight there is evidence that some areas of the edge wear (mainly along the outer vertical front posts) have been selectively touched up (though many of these edge losses have not been touched up indicating this was done a while back). There are some old stress fractures around the vertical framing surrounding the painted panels adjacent to the side hinges which have been stabilized in the past with glue. The top of the chiffonier with one large transparent dark ring mark to the left rear edge, and a few smaller transparent ring marks (one partial) as well as a small burn mark and some other minor discoloration. The inset painted panels appear to have been executed on untreated oak. With natural shrinkage to the panels, which has resulted in an open horizontal stress fracture to both panels (visible in the catalogue illustrations), as well as shrinkage along the top perimeter borders of the panels. The painted panels are in remarkably good condition. Under blacklight there is only one apparent minute pin-dot of retouching to the right facing panel in the central region just below the meadow horizon line, as well as some scattered areas of paint separation (inherent in the making). The panels with minor areas of cupping (small areas of pigment loss), minor surface abrasions, surface soiling, and some transparent drip marks which extend below to the exterior of the case. The chiffonier retains its original hand wrought iron hardware and hinges, with some light rubbing and surface soiling. The interior of the drawer with some scattered staining. The chiffonier presents beautifully in person, displaying attractive proportions and a harmonious palette between the color sensibility of the evening landscape panels and exterior green stain.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.